Jun 03 2008
Expand Your Writing Limitations
There’s an old saying in the writing world that says you should always write what you know. For the most part, this is true. However, there are times when you should go beyond what you know. If you only limit yourself to a few specified topics, you’re limiting your potential as a writer. If you’re reading this, then you already have Internet access, and therefore, access to a world of information
Over the past few months, I’ve been asked to write a number of articles about airplanes. Honestly, I’ve only been in an airplane once in my life and that was enough for me. I’m not a big fan of flying, and don’t know the first thing about airplanes. But, I didn’t let that stop me from writing about the aviation industry. All it took was a little research and before I knew it, I was writing about airplanes. Did you know that there are hundreds of different types of Cessna airplanes? I had no idea.
Now, I’m not saying that you should go out and claim to be an expert in a certain field just to land a writing job. But, you shouldn’t pass up a writing opportunity just because you don’t think you know anything about the topic. You can learn just about anything, with only a couple hours of research. We writers are always looking for something to write about, and this is a great way to expand our horizons.
Growing up, my dad always told me that life is what you make of it. That is very true in the life of a writer. It’s up to you to write the words and you’re only limitations are the ones you set on yourself. Stretch those limitations and write beyond what you know.
This is so very true! There is a whole world to write about if you just try.
This post is SO spot on for me today. I’ve been offered a few “tech writing” leads. I don’t follow them because I’m no techie. But I’m a smart girl, so why not?
Thanks!
www.singleinla.today.com
This is so true. In fact, I recently accepted a job writing for another blog on a topic I don’t know a whole lot about. It’s a great way to learn new things!
Write what you know, but make sure you don’t limit what you know! I have an endless fountain of probably useless information thanks to the broad spectrum of things I’m asked to write about. Often I find that the knowledge I learn from one project turns into something I can use in my fiction. The variety of subject matter is one of the most exciting things about being a writer.
Thanks girls,
@Gina–Exactly. You’ve got to at least try.
@Pink–congrats girl. I’m proud of you.
@KatieAnne–I’m a big fan of trivia games–especially Trivial Pursuit, so I also know a lot of useless information. My husband says I know more about absolutely nothing than anyone else he knows. LOL
@Hauteness–Way to go. I wish you the best of luck, and hope you write the best articles ever.